2013-07-08 Arthur's Coastal Cruise

Day 1, Monday, 8th July - Arthur receiving some TLC in Connaught Harbour

Monday, July 8th, 2013..."Arthur" in Connaught Harbour receiving some TLC from Eamon Egan and Fergal Kerney prior to setting off on our annual Coastal Cruise of the south-west coast of Ireland. Given our encounter with a nasty wind against tide in dense fog at Kerry Head last year a Garmin Radar 18 HD is being installed. And a new chartplotter, Garmin 750S, is replacing our old trusty Garmin 276c.

The weather is currently 'super'...very low winds, and we are keen to get started. But we must cool our heels until Eamon and Fergal have completed their work on "Arthur". It looks like we will not be able to set-off until Tuesday. But, better to be safe than sorry!

Day 2, Tuesday, 9th July - Departing Portumna

Fergal Kerney completed the installation of the new Garmin radar and chartplotter on "Arthur" and enabled us to make the 17:30 Portumna bridge opening! So, it looks like we will only make it as far as Killaloe for today. Hopefully we will make it to Kilrush on Wednesday...a long trip but weather still looking very good.

Mary waves 'Au revoir' as Arthur heads down Lough Derg for an overnight at Killaloe.

Weatherwise we are off to a good start.

On the approach to Killaloe at circa 20:30. We are due at Arndacrusha circa 09:00 hrs on Wednesday.

This was the forecast for Brandon Bay as at Saturday 6th July. Unfortunately we have not been able to benefit from the good weather on the Sunday and Monday...water under the bridge now! But we must make way while the winds are low!

We commenced our passage circa 07.00 hrs and leaving Killaloe in our wake we headed for Ardnacrusha. The photo above shows Parteen Weir in the distance.

Plan A is to transit directly through Limerick and head straight to Kilrush...it will be a long day but given the glorious weather that we are currently enjoying, in particular the low winds, it is important to make maximum use of it and get as many nautical miles under the belt as possible!

And Plan B is the same as Plan A... :-)

Looking back at Killaloe with radar arch dropped and new Garmin radar at bottom of picture.

Circa 09:00hrs...arrival at Ardnacrusha.

Martin, one of four new lock-keepers at Ardnacrusha. They work in cycles of a week each. Martin gave us a super smooth lockdown and in great time too! Thanks Martin!

Pat Lysaght...the one and only....

Entering Limerick - under the five bridges....under the watchful eye of Pat Lysaght! Click the image above to view the 3 minute video clip.

The Clarion Hotel looms large as "Arthur" transits Limerick City en-route to Kilrush.

Mary enjoying the passage as we leave Limerick behind us.

Mary 'sans' sunglasses!

Our favourite lighthouse...Beeves Rock near Aughinish Alumina, located just north of Foynes.

Wow! As good as a the calmest day on Lough Derg! Just passing Foynes and with Tarbert in the distance.

Tarbert - Killimer ferry!

Approaching Kilrush...

Looking down the Shannon Estuary as "Arthur" makes its way into Kilrush Creek Marina.

Day 4, Thursday, 11th July - Departing Kilrush...bound for Cahersiveen

We departed Kilrush circa 10.15 hrs with a long trip, approx. 9 hours, ahead of us. ETA at Cahersiveen ... 19.00 hrs! Winds low, sun bounding from the sky and heat haze coming off the water!

Weather forecast for Brandon Bay for week beginning Thursday, July 11th 2013, courtesy of Windguru. What a fantastic week of low winds...ideal for coastal cruising in a mobo! And today, as we set-off for Cahersiveen, is the pick of the lot! Low winds, low wave height, no clouds, and plenty of sun!

Cargo ships and tankers on the Shannon Estuary as we head down the Clare side before crossing the mouth of the estuary.

Kilcredaun Lighthouse...just south of Carrigaholt. We are making good time. It has taken us approx. 85 mins to reach this point since we departed Kilrush.

13:36 We pass the tug 'Celtic Isle' ...or more appropriately...she passes us! And yes, we kept a close eye on the wake from the tug!

Passing the Magharees... It's been a while since we visited Fenit....maybe on the return leg!

15:34 Cruising down the Kerry coastline!. Approx. five hours since we left Kilrush Creek Marina. Time for a spot of lunch!

Lunch! If the passage is likely to be gentle Mary prepares lunch 'to order'. If not, then lunch is prepared BEFORE we begin the passage. Today it is egg and chive on brown bread; cucumber on brown bread; pate topped with cherry tomato on Carr's water biscuits. And all washed down with a glass of chilled white wine! Only 4 hours to go before we arrive at Cahersiveen!

Ahha! We encounter a Cruise-in-Company!

Passing the 'Three Sisters'. And the heat haze is still with us!

Skipper keeling over after lunch? No... just ensuring that my mug does not fill the lens! Great Blasket in the background.

Transiting the Blasket Sound...

The Great Blasket

Last year we encountered heavy fog whilst approaching the Blasket Sound. Fortunately it lifted and we passed through without incident. This year the haze gave it an eerie appearance...but at least visibility was ok!

17:44 hrs. We leave the Blasket Sound in our wake and head across Dingle Bay towards the approach to Cahersiveen. We have now been on the water for seven and a half hours!

The approach to Valentia Harbour. Beginish Island to port...Cromwell Point Lighthouse to starboard. And weather has disimproved... it is now overcast, raining...and visibility is poorer... :-(

Cahersiveen ahoy! And the sun has re-appeared... :-)

19:30 hrs . Arriving at Cahersiveen Marina on the banks of Valentia River...over nine hours since we departed Kilrush Creek Marina! Note the old RIC Barracks in background, slightly left of centre of photo.

"Arthur" berthed at Cahersiveen Marina after a nine hour passage from Kilrush. Time to take a break before commencing the passage to Lawrence Cove Marina on Bere Island!

A niggling thought at the back of my mind urges me to continue on to Bantry Bay tomorrow....but another voice in my head says...take a break...you have completed three long passages on three consecutive days! We opt for the break!